the Bond's and the Taj

Our final time with Neal's family was spent in Agra before we headed back to Delhi.

We arrived late in the afternoon to find the most wonderful weather (70's C) in Agra.

This experience was so much different than it was before (around 105 C, 40 F). 

They even gave us a bottle of water this time and told us we could bring it into the complex. We started to take the horse carriage to go to the Taj but it was too far for the horse and the security guards would not let us. It turns out that they also have a new ticket counter and golf carts to take large groups to see the historic site.

We decided to hire a guide and he helped explain much more about the history... the monument was put together for Sha Jahan's 3rd wife... the other 2 are burried on the sides (sad for them!).

Elijah and Mommy take a cute pose holding the tip of the Taj.

Our family together for a great moment in time.

All the boys, in flannel! See the resemblance?

Neal guiding Elijah to the correct path (he always wants to stray!)

This man was feeding the chipmunks from his hand! After seeing the man feed them, I thought that I would try! 

And it worked!

 Even with Elijah wanting to grab the thing, how simple!

 Elijah was constantly trying to escape as we approached the
monument. I think he really wanted to go and play in the restricted grass areas.

We had to wear the shoe covers when we got there, and he was really making it difficult!

Finally we got them on....


He looks like a mini doctor!

Neal's beautiful sister Rachel and Elijah.

Some men loaded onto a boat at the river's edge. It was a serene setting.

A picture of the most beautiful woman in the world (sorry Sha :)

GB helped Elijah stay above the crowd.

It was a beautiful evening sunset and a perfect end to a great day!

The moon was already visible as the sun was going down. The clouds looked like they were painted with all of the colors of the rainbow: blues, pink, orange, purple it was the most relaxed we had felt in months.     

Mimi watched Elijah for us to have a moment of relief, we were so grateful for it the whole trip!

  Mimi carried Elijah back to the car because he was tired (he loved seeing her).

We ended the day by going to our hotel (which ended up not being so nice - no hot water!), 

but the night was spent at Pizza Hut and then the coffee shop which was an enjoyable treat!

Overall it was a lovely and unforgettable experience, so hard to believe that the day of their arrival had finally come and gone! We miss you!

First days with Neal's family in our city

We had some good times with our family! Here is my parents connecting with the gatekeeper's family.

Dad taking photos... the norm!

Elijah got a new tricycle! It was a great gift!

Mom with one of the little girls.

Elijah was so glad to have them visit!

Time with Neal's Family

After a few days of relaxing in Delhi we took Neal's family to our city for the first time. They were real troopers with the dangers involved in travel here. 

We got into the cars late because of unexpected circumstances and ended up driving late in the night as the fog was descending on the villages. This created much more danger than simply crazy traffic and large potholes in the road. We were at certain times driving blindly toward the headlights of distant and fast moving vehicles.

My Dad said: "Neal I am glad that I came to India so that we could die together on this crazy road!"

We laughed and were glad to reach home that night. 

At the moment of arrival we were met by our friends who helped us unpack. We received so much help from our new friends.

 Our gatekeeper even came the next day and gave us some food for dinner.

 We went out and drove around our city for the full tour one day: all of the landmarks and old buildings were viewed. 

We went to the park and walked, got a taste of Indian fast food and ended the day by buying Elijah his 1st tricycle! He loved it! 

The next day we had lunch with my language helper (who called my parents "Auntie and Uncle"). 

We then went to dinner with our old host family. They had biriani and chick pea salad- yummy!

We also had some meat and roti (bread).

Their entire family showed
up for the event.

 Our friends with us before we left. They were so kind to host us.

We even had dinner with my driver's family one night. Dad and Mom loved the parathas (potato stuffed bread pockets). They had lots more Indian food than anticipated but never got sick!

This was our last day in the city... 

our gatekeeper's wife bought all of us gifts in the local market. 

Mom got a coffee mug and I got a glass in the shape of a heart. My family was so appreciative of all the love that was shown to them by people that had never met them.

Next we went on to Agra where my family saw the Taj for the 1st time. It was the most pleasant visit we had ever had (last time it was like 104* C). 

They also went to Pizza Hut ("exotic" for Indians) and then we got coffee.

We stayed in a hotel that ended up not having any hot water 

(Dad was so looking forward to his 30 minute long hot shower).

The next day we got up and drove down the new, pleasant, and smooth freeway to Delhi.

It was a relaxing trip where they got to see the countryside and fields of grain.

Finally we arrived back in Delhi for a few nights to relax at our favorite comfortable hotel before sending my parents back on the plane to go back home.

Dad took us out to Chili's and we went to play arcade games in the mall.

Elijah loved all of the driving games. He sat in GB's lap to drive the cars around and made the noises - "Vroom - vroom!" He loved it.

Another pic of Elijah at the arcade. He really loves cars. He may have a future in racing!

GB and Elijah at the coffee shop in Delhi.

Elijah and Rachel singing the new "Get your Jammies on" song. He was grooving and moving as they bounced around the hotel room. And of course he had to stare at himself in the mirror!

Overall it was a quick and encouraging trip. We already miss them and look forward to seeing them again soon!

Winter Jacket

So this post is a little dated... it kind of feels almost springlike now.

We got this coat in the mail from his Nana. So greatful for it in the cold of the winter

He looked like the kid from the Christmas story.

Isn't that the face of satisfaction!

A much needed visit

As many of you know, we had been anticipating Neal's parents and sister coming in January. And we were all so happy that that day had come!

When their plane arrived at 12 am, they were very glad to enjoy a few days of rest in Delhi at the hotel.

Elijah with GB for the 1st time in almost a year. He was so happy to see him.

The girls got their hair done before leaving to go to our city.

Our mall pic... not the best, but we were so happy to be going to Chilli's!

There is more about this trip coming soon!

Only in India #36

Only in India (okay, and maybe china)...

can you get a toy like this...

Welcome to use our products! :)

Much Appreciated

Just in case you were wondering how grateful our friends were to receive their Christmas gifts, then read this:

This is a picture of one of my language helpers with his gifts....

We gave him a new set of clothes because he had holes in his jeans, his shoes were worn out, and his jacket was too thin for the winter. He really loved it... REALLY... so much that he went home (100 miles away) to his mother's house to show her the gifts.

He said that this was his favorite shoes he has ever owned. Before we gave this to him he was wearing flip flops all the time (in the middle of the winter!). Thank you God that we can give to our friends.